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CovidMis.info
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Fact checks related to COVID-19.

Latest

29 Jun 2020 – 5 Jul 2020

Nearly 99% of Covid-19 patients who are vitamin D deficient die, according to a research study.
fullfact.org, A study from Indonesia did claim to show this, but there are problems with the study methods that mean it doesn’t prove this is the case. The paper has now been removed by the authors from the online research library it appeared on.
An illustration shows that the Covid-19 test involves a swab going all the way to the back of the nose.
fullfact.org, This illustration is from a medical imaging company showing a nasopharyngeal swab Covid-19 test. Not all tests are done this way.
Tennis pro Serena Williams wrote a post saying she is “sick of COVID-19” and sick of “black vs. white”.
fullfact.org, This is incorrect, the post was shared by someone also called Serena Williams, but not the tennis player.
A group of 43 European countries and territories have far more people than the UK, but fewer Covid-19 deaths.
fullfact.org, This is correct. Although the list excludes other European countries with high death tolls, such as France, Italy, Spain and Belgium.
Bill Gates owns the patent and vaccine for coronavirus.
fullfact.org, Incorrect. There is no patent for the virus that causes Covid-19, and there is not yet an effective vaccine.

22 Jun 2020 – 28 Jun 2020

"We are 25% of the [COVID-19] cases and the deaths, 25%. We have the worst record of any country in the world."
factcheck.org, Not the Whole Story
Italy has found that Covid-19 is actually disseminated intravascular coagulation (thrombosis).
fullfact.org, This disease has been observed in Covid-19 patients but it’s not correct that patients have that and not Covid-19.
There is an order to incinerate or immediately bury Covid-19 bodies without autopsy.
fullfact.org, There is no such order.
Covid-19 is not a virus, but a bacterium being amplified by 5G which causes inflammation and hypoxia.
fullfact.org, Covid-19 patients can get secondary infections from bacteria. Hypoxia and types of inflammation can be symptoms of Covid-19. There’s no proof Covid-19 is in any way related to 5G.
People with Covid-19 should take aspirin 100mg and Apronax or paracetamol.
fullfact.org, Trials into both of these drugs’ effectiveness in treating Covid-19 are ongoing, but haven’t concluded yet. Paracetamol can ease symptoms but isn’t a specific treatment.
Italy has concluded Covid-19 is not a virus, and people are actually dying of amplified global 5G electromagnetic radiation poisoning.
fullfact.org, Incorrect. Covid-19 is caused by a virus, called SARS-CoV-2, not 5G.
According to NHS England figures, the number of people whose death certificates show death from only coronavirus, i.e. no pre-existing condition, is 1,265.
fullfact.org, This was the correct number of Covid-19 deaths (but only among hospital patients) where no pre-existing condition was reported, up to 26 May. But this data isn’t the deaths “only” from coronavirus and doesn’t tell us what the underlying cause of death was. Covid-19 death was determined by a positive test result or where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.
Covid-19 clots the blood causing thrombosis, stopping blood flow and oxygenating the heart and lungs.
fullfact.org, Severe Covid-19 can cause blood clotting problems and issues like this have been seen in Covid-19 patients, but this is not the only thing that can be fatal in patients.
COVID-19 “Cases up only because of our big number testing."
factcheck.org, False
The official UK death toll from the coronavirus pandemic now equals the death toll from the Blitz.
fullfact.org, At the time this claim was made, the government’s “official” published count of Covid-19 deaths was slightly under the number of deaths during the Blitz, although the numbers are very similar. The true number of deaths related to Covid-19 is likely to be higher than the toll during the Blitz.
Tennis star Serena Williams wrote post that states, “I’m sick of COVID-19. I’m sick of black vs. white."
factcheck.org, False
Is the K number important for COVID-19?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Student nurses of the 2017 cohort were asked to join the NHS workforce early this year, due to Covid-19.
fullfact.org, This is true, final year nursing students were given the option to join the workforce early and be paid for this work, due to Covid-19.

15 Jun 2020 – 21 Jun 2020

"[W]e’ve had some great studies ... some great reports from — coming out of France, coming out of Spain, coming out of other places" about the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19.
factcheck.org, Misleading
The Food and Drug Administration’s decision to revoke its emergency use authorization of hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine for COVID-19 “removes a potential barrier” and makes it easier to access the drugs.
factcheck.org, Misleading
A peer-reviewed research paper says that the new coronavirus has been artificially engineered.
fullfact.org, A Norweigan virologist has made claims about the non-natural origins of the new coronavirus. But this claim is not in a new peer-reviewed paper he co-authored. The scientific community widely agrees that the virus was not artificially engineered.
A Facebook post is correct in saying N95 masks, surgical masks, and cloth masks can be dangerous and/or ineffective in protecting against the spread of COVID-19 based on U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines.
snopes.com, Mostly-false
In an interview about COVID-19, he said "hospitalizations may be going up, but that's because elective procedures are now permitted."
factcheck.org, False
"You know, before we had a single coronavirus case in this country, this President shut down all travel from China."
factcheck.org, False
Are there any effective treatments for COVID-19?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Are diabetics more at risk from COVID-19?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Does nicotine protect us against coronavirus?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Are public restrooms a transmission risk for COVID-19?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Is it common to have COVID-19 without getting symptoms?
metafact.io, Affirmative
“People with blood type O [are] more protected against COVID-19”
healthfeedback.org, Lacks_Context
George Floyd's death was “filmed before covid19” because “[n]ot a single person is wearing a mask" in the videos.
factcheck.org, False

8 Jun 2020 – 14 Jun 2020

Bill Gates, founder of harmful vaccination campaigns in developing countries, now plans to use COVID-19 vaccines to surveil the population
healthfeedback.org, Unsupported
52 free horses need rehoming in Ohio because their owner died of Covid-19.
fullfact.org, They don’t. This is a repost of a genuine appeal from 2011, following the death of a horse owner.
A photograph shows the damage to a person's lung from the COVID-19 coronavirus disease.
snopes.com, True
"The 'biological’ lab in Wuhan where the COVID-19 virus was created was ‘funded’ by President Barak Hussein Obama in 2015 to the tune of $3,800,000 American dollars."
factcheck.org, False
Melinda Gates said Black people should be first in line, after health care workers, to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
snopes.com, True
Will COVID-19 be eliminated?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
A video shows a group of people celebrating the end of COVID-19 restrictions in New Zealand.
snopes.com, True
The WHO stated that asymptomatic spread of COVID-19 is “very rare”, therefore physical distancing and face masks are not necessary
healthfeedback.org, Incorrect
Reader question: Does Vitamin D Protect Against COVID-19?
factcheck.org, No Evidence
"Students must take Flu, HPV AND COVID19 vaccine to attend school" under new legislation in Colorado.
factcheck.org, False
The coronavirus "didn’t go to Beijing. It didn’t go to other parts of China" besides Wuhan. "They stopped it cold."
factcheck.org, False

25 May 2020 – 31 May 2020

COVID-19 became a leading cause of death globally by the end of May 2020.
healthfeedback.org, Mostly_Accurate
The UK government no longer considers Covid-19 to be a “high consequence infectious disease”.
fullfact.org, This is true, because it no longer meets the criteria for an HCID. This doesn’t mean that it is no longer considered dangerous.
Are there many unknowns relating to COVID-19?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
19 million people in the UK have already been infected with the new coronavirus.
fullfact.org, This is according to a new piece of statistical research, but this research has been challenged by other scientists and is highly uncertain. Other early estimates have estimated the prevalence to be lower, but it’s impossible to tell how accurate these will turn out to be.
50 schools in France have closed since mass reopenings last week due to new coronavirus outbreaks.
fullfact.org, This is true but it’s unlikely children were infected at schools.
Is a second wave of COVID-19 inevitable?
metafact.io, Affirmative
A 2019 blogpost authored by Dominic Cummings was recently edited to include a warning about coronavirus.
fullfact.org, Correct. The edit appears to have been made on 14 April 2020.
Some 59 people died after a pastor gave them Dettol to drink to supposedly prevent coronavirus.
snopes.com, False
"Covid19 is a bacterium, easily treated with aspirin and coagulant."
factcheck.org, False

18 May 2020 – 24 May 2020

More than a third of Covid-19 deaths had diabetes.
fullfact.org, This is incorrect. NHS data shows that of Covid-19 patients who died in hospital in England just over a quarter had diabetes.
The deaths of 181 NHS workers have involved Covid-19.
fullfact.org, This figure is correct for England only.
125,000 care home staff have been tested for Covid-19.
fullfact.org, The Department for Health and Social Care has confirmed 125,000 staff in care settings have been tested since the start of the pandemic.
Hydroxychloroquine […] was shown […] by doctors worldwide to be the most efficient treatment for the coronavirus.
healthfeedback.org, Unsupported
“Cannabis is more effective at preventing and treating COVID-19 than hydroxychloroquine”
healthfeedback.org, Unsupported
Asymptomatic carriers cannot spread COVID-19; COVID-19 is not contagious; masks are not needed to reduce COVID-19 transmission from asymptomatic carriers
healthfeedback.org, Flawed_Reasoning
An estimated 0.5% of people arriving into the UK have Covid-19.
fullfact.org, These were remarks by the Home Office’s Chief Scientific Advisor, which were later clarified to be wrong. 0.5% is an estimate for the proportion of reported Covid-19 cases in the UK believed to have been “imported” from abroad as of 23 March.
Is COVID-19 linked with the gut?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Dr. Anthony Fauci said, “As soon as a COVID-19 vaccine is manufactured, it must be delivered to healthcare professionals for immediate human injection. Proper studies can be done later.”
factcheck.org, False
Hydroxychloroquine cures Covid-19.
fullfact.org, There is some limited evidence that it can work for some patients. It is not licensed as a treatment for Covid-19 in the UK outside of clinical trials.
How many who have no other morbidities under the age of 60 have died from this Covid-19? 350
fullfact.org, The latest NHS figures for England show that 253 people under the age of 60 with no underlying health conditions have died from Covid-19 in hospitals.
You’re more likely to drown than die from Covid-19.
fullfact.org, This is not a valid comparison to make, and the figures it’s based on aren’t accurate.
The novel coronavirus "is going to go away without a vaccine."
factcheck.org, Not Based in Science
"After Nov. 3, coronavirus will magically all of a sudden go away and disappear.”
factcheck.org, Not Based in Science
US patent 2006257852 is for the new coronavirus.
fullfact.org, It is not. It is an abandoned patent from 2006 for chemical mixtures related to the SARS virus, which is another type of coronavirus.
Far more people have died of Covid-19 in the UK than in Japan
fullfact.org, This is correct. At the time this post appeared there had been 31,855 Covid-19 deaths reported in the UK, compared with 628 in Japan.
The survival rate for Covid-19 is 98.54% in the UK.
fullfact.org, We don’t know what the survival rate is yet, as we don’t know how many people have had the disease. This figure comes from a claim about the US which is a slight over-estimate based on available figures.
We have not heard of one police officer dying from Covid-19 across the world.
fullfact.org, Incorrect. Many Covid-19 deaths among police officers have been reported worldwide, including at least one such death in the UK.
The Express used a photo from before coronavirus lockdown to suggest people in Brighton were breaking social distancing rules.
fullfact.org, This is incorrect. Metadata from the photo shows it was taken during lockdown.
There is no need for social distancing because we have a treatment for COVID-19
healthfeedback.org, Unsupported
“A couple of weeks ago, I started taking" hydroxychloroquine to prevent COVID-19. “Because I think it’s good. I’ve heard a lot of good stories."
factcheck.org, No Evidence It Works

11 May 2020 – 17 May 2020

Are antibody tests important to control COVID-19?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
“Bill Gates explains that the COVID vaccine will use experimental technology and permanently alter your DNA”
healthfeedback.org, Inaccurate
"Beijing Biden's son Hunter" made "$80,000 per month from China" through a deal with an investment fund "in the months leading up to the coronavirus outbreak."
factcheck.org, No Evidence
Children and adults have the same chance of getting ill from Covid-19.
fullfact.org, The ONS found, with a degree of uncertainty, that there was no evidence that the rate of infection differed by age group, but being infected doesn’t necessarily mean you become ill and display symptoms.
Will COVID-19 save lives from lower air pollution?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
If you recover from COVID-19, are you immune to it?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Covid-19 deaths in care homes are rising.
fullfact.org, This was true at the time, by one measure. By another measure it was probably not true. Now it seems clearer that deaths in care homes from suspected Covid-19 are falling.
Vegetarians are unaffected by COVID-19 because the virus is passed on through eating meat.
snopes.com, False
People vaccinated for seasonal influenza face higher chances of catching SARS-COV-2, which causes COVID-19, or testing positive for the virus when they do not actually have it.
snopes.com, False
“IF THE CORONAVIRUS IS SO DEADLY WHY HASN’T IT WIPED OUT THE HOMELESS”
factcheck.org, Distorts the Facts
U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams has said that the general public should not wear or buy masks to protect against the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus disease.
snopes.com, Mixture
The 1969 Woodstock music festival occurred during a pandemic as lethal as COVID-19.
snopes.com, Mixture
The ONS has registered 4,122 deaths in 2020 due to Covid-19.
fullfact.org, This was broadly correct for the first 14 weeks of the year, including a few days in April and in December 2019.
“Elizabeth Warren erroneously said there were 25,000 new [COVID-19] cases today" and "2,000 deaths."
factcheck.org, We Review the Trends
Boris Johnson said that an alert system for Covid-19 could involve detecting the infection in the water supply.
fullfact.org, It is true that Boris Johnson said this, however, he misspoke according to his spokesperson. He was referring to a potential scheme that could detect genetic material from the virus in sewage: not in the water supply.
"Germany and the United States are the two best in deaths per 100,000 people" for COVID-19.
factcheck.org, False
"No matter how you look at it, America is leading the world in testing" for COVID-19.
factcheck.org, False

4 May 2020 – 10 May 2020

Dr. Anthony Fauci is "pushing Remdesivir" as treatment for COVID-19. "It was invented by Fauci and Gates."
factcheck.org, False
“There should be no problem" for any American returning to work right now to have access to both diagnostic tests for the novel coronavirus and antibody, or serological, tests.
factcheck.org, False
“Coronavirus quickly spread around the world as early as October 2019”
healthfeedback.org, Partially_Correct
Prolonged use of COVID-19-related face masks cause health problems due to breathing in too much exhaled carbon dioxide.
snopes.com, Mostly-false
Antivirals should be used to fight Covid-19.
fullfact.org, Antiviral drugs can be used to treat viral infections, but no specific antiviral drug has been conclusively shown to be effective against Covid-19 so far.
"Plandemic" video says the novel coronavirus was "manipulated," the flu vaccine contains coronaviruses, and that wearing a mask "activates your own virus."
factcheck.org, False
Covid-19 patients have been misdiagnosed as having pneumonia when they actually have a blood clotting condition called disseminated intravascular coagulation.
fullfact.org, It is incorrect to say that Covid-19 patients have been misdiagnosed with pneumonia when they have disseminated intravascular coagulation. Severe Covid-19 can cause pneumonia as well as blood clotting problems.
A study has concluded that there have been no cases of children transmitting the new coronavirus.
fullfact.org, This claim is taken out of context. It is the finding of one study among a review that found contradictory evidence about transmission of the new coronavirus in children. The review concluded that “the role of children in passing the disease to others is unknown”.
An early poll shows 80% of people on the Isle of Wight want to download the government’s new coronavirus tracing app.
fullfact.org, This is based on a Facebook poll which is not representative of Isle of Wight residents.
The University of Washington’s Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation's revised model projecting 134,000 COVID-19 deaths by August “assumes no mitigation.”
factcheck.org, False
The government's roadmap to ease Covid-19 restrictions will be set out in 5 phases.
fullfact.org, This is the plan from the Irish government.
Wearing protective gloves doesn’t prevent the spread of coronavirus.
fullfact.org, This is true. The World Health Organisation says that regular handwashing is the best way to stop the virus spreading.
President Donald Trump “took fast action” in regard to testing for the novel coronavirus.
factcheck.org, Misleading
Will COVID-19 save lives from other infectious diseases?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
"The CDC has adjusted their COVID19 deaths from 64,000 to 37,000."
factcheck.org, False
“5G plays a part in this ‘plandemic’” ... The cases of COVID-19 are “directly related to electromagnetic radiation exposure by 5G”
healthfeedback.org, Inaccurate

27 Apr 2020 – 3 May 2020

A viral photograph showing a canine coronavirus vaccine demonstrates that there should already exist a human vaccine for COVID-19.
snopes.com, False
Campaign TV ad suggests CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta agreed 2 million people would have died from the novel coronavirus were it not for President Donald Trump's China travel restrictions.
factcheck.org, False
The NHS has issued a letter saying that some children infected with coronavirus have been exhibiting symptoms similar to toxic shock syndrome.
fullfact.org, This is a real letter issued to NHS primary care medical professionals. This letter was intended for medical professionals and refers to only a small number of cases.
Professor Dr Tasuku Honjo, caused a sensation today in the media by saying that the corona virus is not natural.
fullfact.org, Incorrect. Professor Honjo has denied saying this and there is no evidence that he ever did.
"Trump’s New Idea To Profit: ‘$100 COVID-19 Commemorative Coins’"
factcheck.org, False
Will COVID-19 impact mental health?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Claimed Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, was saying in late February of the coronavirus: “This is no problem. This is going to blow — this is going to blow over.”
factcheck.org, False
"We’ve tested more than every country combined," referring to COVID-19 diagnostic testing.
factcheck.org, False
Antibody tests support what’s been obvious: Covid-19 is much more lethal than the flu
healthfeedback.org, Imprecise
Walmart, Amazon, Kroger, Target and Costco — while staying open during the COVID-19 pandemic — “have not had any reported cases” of employees contracting COVID-19.
factcheck.org, False
The CARES Act was "introduced over a year ago for a virus that allegedly did not get here until a few months ago," which proves the COVID-19 pandemic was planned.
factcheck.org, False
The number of deaths in the UK from Covid-19 is just shy of the capacity of the Manchester arena.
fullfact.org, The number of people who died in hospital in the UK having tested positive for Covid-19, by 25 April, is around the same as the capacity of Manchester arena: about 21,000.
It took 51 days for the UK to go from announcing its first Covid-19 death to 20,319.
fullfact.org, Correct. The first patient who died having tested positive for Covid-19 was announced on 5 March. The total deaths was 20,319 on 24 April.

20 Apr 2020 – 26 Apr 2020

Elisa Granato died shortly after being administered a trial vaccine for COVID-19.
snopes.com, False
The novel coronavirus evolved naturally and the outbreak began through zoonotic infection
healthfeedback.org, Most likely
Smoking may protect against COVID-19
healthfeedback.org, Unsupported
While western countries have been busy fighting the new coronavirus, international terrorism has stopped.
fullfact.org, This is not true. There have been multiple terror attacks around the world in March and April this year, leaving hundreds of people dead.
A vaccine for coronavirus was made in 2001.
fullfact.org, The vaccine pictured is one for dogs for canine coronavirus. It does not protect against Covid-19 and is not for humans.
A viral image suggests a "Canine Coronavirus Vaccine" means a vaccine for the novel coronavirus already exists.
factcheck.org, False
"A new Pentagon study shows that people who had a flu shot are 36% more likely to get COVID-19."
factcheck.org, False
You have a 0.03[%] chance of dying from [COVID-19] in the state of California. [...] it’s similar to the flu.
healthfeedback.org, Inaccurate
Former Rep. Trey Gowdy wrote a viral post claiming the COVID-19 pandemic was planned and it "all seems rather convenient for the nations and opponents of our current President and economy 5 months before an election.”
factcheck.org, False
MPs in the UK have awarded themselves a £10,000 bonus to cover ‘expenses’ during the Covid-19 crisis.
fullfact.org, Incorrect. MPs’ pay is regulated by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, which has increased the amount MPs can claim in expenses for office and staff costs by £10,000 to cover additional costs needed to set up remote working. MPs did not get to decide on this increase and do not have to claim it.
Viral post shows same picture with different headlines on COVID-19 stories, asking, "That's weird the exact same people who visited the beach in Florida are now at the beaches in California?"
factcheck.org, Distorts the Facts
A chart accurately shows the effectiveness of wearing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
snopes.com, Mostly-false
A picture of a journalist in Lebanon reporting on the novel coronavirus is circulating with this claim: "Reporter in full bio gear... think the media hypes this thing a little?"
factcheck.org, Out of Context
Germany has sent a bill to China for “coronavirus damages”.
fullfact.org, Incorrect. A German newspaper drew up a mock bill but the German government has not sent a bill, as suggested.

13 Apr 2020 – 19 Apr 2020

Italy was “hit hard” by the coronavirus pandemic because “a lot of the people that didn’t come in here went to Italy" when the U.S. imposed travel restrictions on China.
factcheck.org, No Evidence
“If you’ve gotten flu shots during the past ten years, you will test positive for the Wuhan strain of the Covid-19 flu.”
factcheck.org, False
The NIH researched chloroquine and concluded that it was effective at stopping the SARS coronavirus in its tracks
healthfeedback.org, Incorrect
Antibody tests will "support our efforts to get Americans back to work by showing us who might have developed the wonderful, beautiful immunity" to the novel coronavirus.
factcheck.org, We Explain the Science
This coronavirus genome contained sequences of another virus […] the HIV virus (AIDS virus)
healthfeedback.org, Inaccurate
"The United States has achieved a significant lower [COVID-19] mortality rate than almost all other countries."
factcheck.org, Not What Data Show
The Prime Minister may not have had Covid-19 and when he was admitted to hospital staff were asked to sign the Official Secrets Act and two who refused were dismissed.
fullfact.org, This is incorrect. It is based on a satirical blog post.
The pH for the coronavirus varies from 5.5 to 8.5. What we need to do to defeat the coronavirus is to consume more alkaline foods above the virus’ pH level.
healthfeedback.org, Incorrect
If you are in the UK and under coronavirus lockdown with an abusive partner dial 999, wait to be connected, press 55 & hang up.
fullfact.org, You will only be prompted to press 55 on a silent call from a mobile. And you should not hang up after typing 55. You should try and cough, tap the handset or whisper to communicate on an emergency call if possible.
News outlets are misusing a boy’s image to report the same child died of COVID-19 in three different countries.
factcheck.org, False

6 Apr 2020 – 12 Apr 2020

“So now the Fake News @nytimes is tracing the CoronaVirus origins back to Europe, NOT China."
factcheck.org, False
Seven children in Senegal died after being administered a COVID-19 coronavirus disease vaccine in April 2020.
snopes.com, False
Are men at greater risk from COVID-19?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Is there evidence hydroxychloroquine works on COVID-19?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Should face masks be worn by general public during COVID-19?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
A survey found 11% of workers who report having taken a financial hit from the coronavirus pandemic have been evicted.
fullfact.org, Housing charity Shelter says there has been a spike in evictions, though not nearly as large a spike as this survey found.
A voice recording on WhatsApp claims there will be 900 deaths a day at the peak of the new coronavirus outbreak, one third will be children with no underlying health conditions, ambulances won’t be sent to people struggling to breathe, and all ice rinks are now being used as mortuaries.
fullfact.org, This is incorrect. South East Coast Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, where the person in the recording suggests they work, and Public Health England have confirmed the information is inaccurate.
A majority of 6,200 doctors said hydroxychloroquine is the most effective coronavirus treatment.
fullfact.org, The poll the data comes from is not representative of all doctors. 37%, not a majority, of those involved in Covid-19 treatment worldwide said hydroxychloroquine was among the most effective treatments.
Vets say that all cats should be kept indoors during the coronavirus outbreak.
fullfact.org, This advice only applies to cats from infected or self-isolating households. The article saying it applied to all cats has now been changed.
The COVID-19 death toll is exaggerated because “the state” has instructed that “anyone who didnt die by a gun shot wound or car accident” be listed as a coronavirus victim.
factcheck.org, No Evidence
“Banning dangerous foreign travel" from China on Jan. 31 was one of the actions the Trump administration took to combat the coronavirus “far earlier than anyone would have thought and way ahead of anybody else.”
factcheck.org, Spins the Facts
The Trump administration "started off awfully slow" in dealing with the coronavirus. "45 nations had already moved to ... block China's personnel from being able to come to the United States before the president moved."
factcheck.org, Spins the Facts
The £20 note shows a 5G tower giving off emissions and a coronavirus symbol.
fullfact.org, The ‘5G tower’ is Margate Lighthouse and the ‘coronavirus’ is based on a famous staircase at the Tate Britain art gallery.
Coronavirus pandemic would likely not be nearly as bad if 5G exposure/radiation pollution wasn’t already compromising the structure and function of hemoglobin cells.
healthfeedback.org, Incorrect
Said an HHS inspector general report on a survey of hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic was “wrong.”
factcheck.org, Report Gave Survey Results

30 Mar 2020 – 5 Apr 2020

COVID-19 causes prolonged and progressive hypoxia (starving your body of oxygen) by binding to the heme groups in hemoglobin in your red blood cells
healthfeedback.org, Incorrect
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, effective immediately Walmart is adopting a staggered shopping schedule" based on age.
factcheck.org, False
An uninsured 17-year-old boy died of COVID-19 symptoms after being refused care due to a lack of medical insurance.
snopes.com, Mixture
Does Vitamin C supplementation prevent coronavirus?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Is the risk of catching coronavirus from food or cooking significant?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Five helicopters are going to spray the air with disinfectant overnight in order to combat the new coronavirus
fullfact.org, This is a false rumour that has spread all over the world.
"Everyone in Israel drinks a cup of hot water with lemon and a little baking soda at night, as this is proven to kill" coronavirus, and has prevented COVID-19 deaths in Israel.
factcheck.org, False
"Students will repeat current grade next year" in several states due to the coronavirus.
factcheck.org, False
“I don’t believe the president has ever belittled the threat of the coronavirus.”
factcheck.org, Here's What Trump Said
In New York, "every contaminated corpse" of those who died from COVID-19 "belongs to the state" and will be incinerated without any "wakes or memorial services to pay your last respects."
factcheck.org, False
Is the minimum infective dose of COVID-19 small?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
5G WiFi networks could be responsible for the rapid spread of the new coronavirus.
fullfact.org, This is not true. There is no evidence that 5G WiFi networks are linked to the new coronavirus.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi characterized President Trump's move to restrict travel from China as "overreacting" to coronavirus outbreak.
factcheck.org, False
Some recovered Covid-19 patients catch the disease again
fullfact.org, There may have been some rare cases of reinfection with Covid-19, but most people seem to be immune afterwards, at least in the short term
All seven patients who were getting treated for Covid-19 at Safdarjung hospital in New Delhi have recovered.
fullfact.org, There is a news story reporting that seven patients in this hospital in New Delhi had recovered. However, these were not the only Covid-19 patients in the city.
A network of Canadian scientists are making excellent progress in Covid-19 research.
fullfact.org, At least one group of Canadian scientists has recently announced some progress in understanding Covid-19.
China has closed down its last coronavirus hospital. Not enough new cases to support them.
fullfact.org, This is correct. The last hospitals closed at the start of March 2020.
A San Diego biotech company is developing a Covid-19 vaccine in collaboration with Duke University and National University of Singapore.
fullfact.org, This is correct. The company, Arcturus Therapeutics, announced on 4 March 2020 that it would be working on a vaccine with DukeNUS Medical School in Singapore.
A 103 year-old Chinese grandmother has made a full recovery from Covid-19 after being treated for 6 days in Wuhan, China
fullfact.org, This has been widely reported in the media.
Researchers at the Erasmus Medical Center claim to have found an antibody against coronavirus.
fullfact.org, Researchers in the Netherlands have released research, which has not yet been peer-reviewed, on an antibody against the new coronavirus.
Plasma from newly recovered patients from Covid -19 can treat others infected by Covid-19.
fullfact.org, This is being used as a treatment in some countries, but clinical trials have not yet proved that this is effective.
Tulsa County's first positive Covid-19 case has recovered. This individual has had two negative tests, which is the indicator of recovery.
fullfact.org, Correct, this patient has recovered according to official Tulsa County sources. Two negative tests is one of three official indicators of recovery among people with Covid-19 (who showed symptoms).
Scientists in Israel are likely to announce the development of a coronavirus vaccine.
fullfact.org, Scientists in Israel and elsewhere are working on developing a vaccination to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus, but it won’t be ready for the public for over a year.
Doctors in India have been successful in treating coronavirus with a combination of drugs (Lopinavir, Retonovir, Oseltamivir along with Chlorphenamine) and are going to suggest the same medicine globally.
fullfact.org, India’s ministry of health has advised that the anti-HIV drugs, Lopinavir and Retonovir, are used in some groups of Covid-19 patients. But it is unclear how successful this treatment has been. The other two drugs from the claim are not mentioned in their guidance.
Cleveland Clinic developed a Covid-19 test that gives results in hours, not days.
fullfact.org, This is incorrect. The clinic announced that it is able to speed up Covid-19 testing after developing the ability to test on-site, but it had not developed a new test.
Three Maryland coronavirus patients fully recovered and are able to return to everyday life.
fullfact.org, Correct. On 13 March 2020, Montgomery County, Maryland confirmed that three residents who previously had the virus no longer tested positive.
Said of the coronavirus outbreak: "I just want to reiterate, because a lot of people have been asking, 'Well, what would have happened if we did nothing? Did nothing — we just rode it out.' ... And I think we got our most accurate study today, or certainly most comprehensive. Think of the number: 2.2 — potentially 2.2 million people if we did nothing."
factcheck.org, Estimate Known Since March 16
"It took [President Barack] Obama ‘millions infected and over 1,000 deaths’ to declare the H1N1 flu a health emergency,” but President Donald Trump “declared a health emergency” before the first coronavirus death.
factcheck.org, Misleading
"[T]his administration inherited a broken system, a system [for coronavirus testing] that was obsolete, a system that didn’t work. It was okay for a tiny, small group of people, but once you got beyond that, it didn’t work.”
factcheck.org, Misleading
A photo of coffins in the 2017 movie "Unlocked" is being used by news media "telling us that this is ITALY right now because of COVID 19 virus!!”
factcheck.org, False
This picture shows trucks carrying dead bodies of Covid-19 victims and the accompanying post implies it is in Italy.
fullfact.org, This picture was taken in Paris and the trucks are not carrying dead bodies. However, Italy has had to use military trucks to move bodies during the crisis.

23 Mar 2020 – 29 Mar 2020

For food and cooking, are there ways to lower your risk of getting coronavirus?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Johns Hopkins University published this "excellent summary" on avoiding COVID-19.
snopes.com, Misattributed
Dr. Vladimir Zelenko's 669 COVID-19 patients that were treated with a combination of hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and zinc have seen zero hospitalizations, complications, or deaths.
snopes.com, Unproven
“The US is charging over $3,000 per test” for patients who may have COVID-19.
factcheck.org, False
Are certain types of soap more effective on coronavirus?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Does coronavirus survive freezing?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Do household cleaning products work on coronavirus?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Boil weed and ginger for Covid-19 victims, the virus will vanish
healthfeedback.org, Inaccurate
There are no reliable tests for a specific COVID-19 virus
healthfeedback.org, Inaccurate
Hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine are cures for the new coronavirus.
fullfact.org, There aren’t yet peer-reviewed clinical studies to prove either drug is effective against the symptoms of, or can protect against, the new coronavirus. You should not take either unless you’re specifically prescribed them by a doctor.
Home tests for the new coronavirus will be available in days.
fullfact.org, This was said by the director of the national infection service at Public Health England. However, medical experts and politicians have since said the new tests will not be ready so soon.
Data from a new app which tracks symptoms of Covid-19 claims that up to 6.6 million people in the UK have the disease.
fullfact.org, This data cannot be extrapolated to the UK population. The number of people with Covid-19 may be higher, lower, or the same as claimed.
Does Chloroquine work for treating COVID-19?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Is there a coronavirus transmission risk when driving with passengers?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
The coronavirus has been 'released' by China
healthfeedback.org, Unsupported
A vaccine for the new coronavirus has been created by US scientists and will be ready to use from next Sunday.
fullfact.org, Whilst there are vaccines in development, it will likely be more than 18 months before they are ready to use. The image and videos accompanying the post are related to Covid-19 diagnostic tests, not vaccines.
This text message shows the government is monitoring people leaving the house during coronavirus lockdown.
fullfact.org, This is not an official government text.
“Information from Vienna’s laboratory studying COVID-19 say vast majority of people who died had ibuprofen/Advil in their system so do not take it!!"
factcheck.org, False
A vaccine meant for cattle can be used to fight COVID-19.
snopes.com, False
Drinking hot water with lemons will cure or prevent COVID-19; drinking hot water with lemons and sodium bicarbonate will “alkalize the immune system” and cure or prevent COVID-19.
snopes.com, False
"Speaker Pelosi & Democrats are attempting to give themselves a $25 million raise" through the coronavirus stimulus package.
factcheck.org, False
Coronavirus has been "found in crab leg."
factcheck.org, False
The total number of deaths from Covid-19 in Italy rose from 233 to 4,032 over about two weeks.
fullfact.org, Correct. As reported by the Italian government, the number of deaths from Covid-19 rose from 233 on 7 March to 4,032 on 20 March.
"In eight days, we’re doing more [coronavirus] testing than they’ve done in eight weeks," referring to South Korea.
factcheck.org, Misleading
The Italian Prime Minister has said his country has exhausted all options to fight against the coronavirus pandemic and pleads to God to “rescue your people.”
fullfact.org, This quote is made up.
Pets carry no threat and do not carry the new coronavirus.
fullfact.org, This is correct. At present, there’s no evidence that dogs and cats can be infected.
About 500 lions have been released on the streets of Russia to stop people going out during the coronavirus pandemic.
fullfact.org, This is not true. The Russian government has yet to announce a widespread lockdown of any kind in Russia. The image of the lion is from South Africa in 2016.
A scam is asking people to input the personal details, including bank details, to receive “Covid-19 Relieve.”
fullfact.org, This is correct. This is a scam and should not be interacted with.
Ad claims Trump said, "The coronavirus, this is their new hoax."
factcheck.org, Out of Context
Is 2m a safe social distance for coronavirus?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts

16 Mar 2020 – 22 Mar 2020

The first cases of COVID-19 were reported in the United States and South Korea on the same day.
snopes.com, True
"There’s been some tremendous signs that this could work. Now, again, you know, some doctors think it should go for years in testing. But, you know, this has been something that’s been around for many years. It’s been phenomenal — a strong, powerful drug for malaria. But we think it might work on this [COVID-19], based on evidence — based on very strong evidence."
factcheck.org, Evidence Is Slim
"COVID-19 is confirmed as airborne and remain 8 hrs in air! So everyone is required to wear mask everywhere!"
factcheck.org, Distorts the Facts
The COVID-19 coronavirus disease is "spreading quickly from gas pumps."
snopes.com, Mixture
Eating bananas is a preventative against the COVID-19 coronavirus disease.
snopes.com, False
Coronavirus does not cause a runny nose; is killed by temperatures above 26 degrees; causes lung fibrosis within days of infection; can be diagnosed by holding your breath for 10 seconds; and can be cured in the early stages by drinking plenty of water.
sciencefeedback.co, Mostly_Inaccurate
The flu shot causes false positive results on COVID-19 tests
healthfeedback.org, Incorrect
"Starting the next day, Dr. [Nancy] Messonnier no longer appeared at public briefings of the White House coronavirus task force. The president and the White House sent a clear message to scientists in the government -- there would be a price for speaking out and speaking up."
factcheck.org, Misleading
"I wish they [China] told us three months sooner that this [the coronavirus] was a problem. We didn’t know about it. They knew about it and they should have told us."
factcheck.org, Exaggerates
The World Health Organization test for the new coronavirus "was a bad test."
factcheck.org, False
If someone with the new coronavirus sneezes, it travels about 10 feet before it drops to the ground and is no longer airborne.
fullfact.org, How far the droplets spread from a sneeze depends on environmental factors, but it is likely to be several metres.
People with Type-A blood are more susceptible to COVID-19.
snopes.com, Unproven
A screenshot purports to show a tweet from President Donald Trump that says, before the U.S. issues financial assistance to individuals to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, "we will go through your social media history from the last 4 years and search for any post with #NotMyPresident in it."
factcheck.org, False
UK is testing more people for Covid-19 than any country other than China and Italy.
fullfact.org, This is incorrect. As at 13 March, the latest data available when this claim was made, the UK ranked fifth (behind China, South Korea, Italy and Russia) for the number of Covid-19 tests carried out. These statistics only included the 38 countries and regions with official data on Covid-19 tests at that time.
"Bill Gates will use microchip implants to fight coronavirus."
factcheck.org, False
A viral list notes numerous "good news" items related to the fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus disease pandemic.
snopes.com, Mostly-true
If we want to protect ourselves from the coronavirus, we must back away from all the climate change efforts we've been making
healthfeedback.org, Flawed_Reasoning
U.S. government is sending out weekly checks to citizens to blunt economic impact of coronavirus, and claim forms are available now.
factcheck.org, Misleading
There are four young people with no underlying illnesses in an intensive care unit in Cork due to Covid-19, who had all been taking anti-inflammatory drugs.
fullfact.org, This is not true. It has been denied by the clinical lead of Ireland’s public health service and the whole message branded ‘misinformation’.
Will people get Coronavirus pandemic fatigue?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Does the transmission of coronavirus vary by country?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Is COVID-19 more dangerous the seasonal flu?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
"We just passed a law saying you do not have to pay for any of this, period," referring to health care coverage for COVID-19.
factcheck.org, Covers Tests Not Care
Before a vaccine, can coronavirus be treated?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Are children more at risk to coronavirus?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
"Gargling with warm water & salt or vinegar eliminates" the coronavirus.
factcheck.org, False
People with Covid-19 should not take ibuprofen
fullfact.org, There are concerns that ibuprofen can aggravate underlying health issues, but the NHS still includes it in its guidance for coping with Covid-19

9 Mar 2020 – 15 Mar 2020

Italy has stopped treating elderly coronavirus patients due to "socialized medicine."
snopes.com, Mixture
Parents can receive a case of baby formula during the COVID-19 pandemic by calling the number on the back of the company's product.
snopes.com, False
Jared Kushner’s brother, Joshua Kushner, owns a company involved in COVID-19 testing.
snopes.com, Mixture
People who have survived the COVID-19 coronavirus disease can become reinfected by the virus.
snopes.com, Unproven
Do NSAIDs like ibuprofen increase the risk of complications from COVID-19?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Gargling with salt water or Vinegar 'eliminate' the COVID-19 coronavirus from the throat of an infected person's system.
snopes.com, False
The World Health Organisation (WHO) have advised people to use contactless payments instead of cash to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission.
fullfact.org, The WHO advises the public to wash their hands after handling money, especially if handling or eating food. But they haven’t issued a warning about using banknotes.
Bill Gates created the new coronavirus and a vaccine for it.
fullfact.org, This is incorrect. The Bill Gates and Melinda Gates Foundation has funded a research institute that has a patent to a different coronavirus. Coronavirus is a large category of viruses that includes the common cold, SARS and the new virus that causes Covid-19.
The new coronavirus is actually the impact of 5G exposure.
fullfact.org, This is incorrect, the new coronavirus is a virus and there is no evidence that 5G is harmful to people’s health.
Symptoms of Covid-19 include nausea, hair loss, bone marrow damage.
fullfact.org, This is incorrect. Symptoms have been reported as including fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
"Nancy Pelosi wouldn’t release 8.5 billion for Coronavirus without abortion funding, so Trump went around her to declare a National Emergency and got 50 billion."
factcheck.org, False
The new coronavirus is the “least deadly virus” and has a death rate lower than the 2009 H1N1 outbreak.
factcheck.org, False
Donating blood requires that you be administered a free test for the COVID-19, a disease caused by the coronavirus.
snopes.com, False
Almost 200 people in Italy died from the coronavirus in 24 hours.
snopes.com, True
Do travel bans work for slowing pandemics like coronavirus?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Are coronaviruses easily spread?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Is Africa the most vulnerable continent for coronavirus?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Are zinc lozenges effective for coronavirus?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Is self-isolation important for COVID-19?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Will COVID-19 become endemic?
metafact.io, Uncertain
Are lock-downs the best option to slow the spread of coronavirus?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Are healthcare systems prepared for the coronavirus pandemic?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Cristina Higgins authored a personal account about the spread of COVID-19 in Italy.
snopes.com, Correct-attribution
Can cats get coronavirus?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Flu vaccine increases risk of coronavirus infection
healthfeedback.org, Unsupported
Coronaviruses can live on surfaces for up to 28 days, so you should be careful if you receive a package from China.
fullfact.org, There is currently no evidence that this virus can survive on surfaces that long. Most other coronaviruses do not. Current health advice suggests the risk of contracting the virus from a package is very low.
The new coronavirus is 400-500 micro and for this reason wide enough to be stopped by masks.
fullfact.org, The virus is 50-200 nanometres wide, and a mask, although sometimes necessary, won’t guarantee that you don’t get Covid-19.
Coronavirus lives for 12 hours on metal surfaces.
fullfact.org, We don’t know how long the virus can survive on surfaces yet, it could be between hours and days.
If the new coronavirus is exposed to a temperature of 26-27ºC it will be killed, as it does not live in hot regions. Also drinking hot water and sun exposure will do the trick and staying away from ice cream and cold food is advised.
fullfact.org, There have been cases of Covid-19 in areas with warmer temperatures than this, and we don’t know what temperatures the virus can withstand. There’s no evidence that hot water and the sun will cure it or that staying away from cold food can prevent it.
Coronavirus may have been genetically engineered for “efficient spreading in the human population,” a bombshell new study has claimed.
fullfact.org, This is wrong and the study does not claim the new coronavirus has been genetically engineered. It simply compares the genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2 with other coronaviruses, and suggests a reason why it might be spreading relatively efficiently.
Coronavirus stays on fabric for 9 hours, so washing clothes or being exposed to the sun for two hours meets the purpose of killing it.
fullfact.org, We don’t know how long the virus can survive on fabric. There isn’t evidence that it can transmit from fabrics to people, though soiled clothing from Covid-19 patients should be washed normally.
The new coronavirus does not settle in the air but is grounded so it is not transmitted by air.
fullfact.org, The virus can spread via sneeze and cough droplets that can move a short distance through the air and into someone else’s system.
Coronavirus lives on the hands for 10 minutes, but can be prevented with alcohol hand sanitiser.
fullfact.org, It’s not clear how long the virus can ‘survive’ on hands, but hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol is a good second choice to washing your hands with soap and water.
"[T]hey don't even have a test kit [for COVID-19]. A test kit to determine whether or not someone has the disease."
factcheck.org, False
Does soap work on coronavirus?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
A coronavirus vaccine for cows shows that the virus behind the current outbreak is not new.
fullfact.org, This is a different coronavirus from SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can affect a range of species.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson advocated for the UK to take Covid-19 “on the chin” and allow the disease to spread through the population.
fullfact.org, The Prime Minister said this was a theory on how to deal with the virus, but said it would be better if we take all the measures we can to reduce the burden on the NHS during the peak of the disease.
Hand sanitiser is effective against Covid-19.
fullfact.org, Hand sanitisers with 60% alcohol content and above are effective against viruses, such as the new coronavirus, but soap and water is the best option.
Drinking boiled garlic water will cure COVID-19.
snopes.com, False
"We have a president of the United States, [who said] you know, 'Doesn't matter, go to work,'" even if you think you have symptoms of the new coronavirus infection.
factcheck.org, False
COVID-19 is no worse than other outbreaks that have occurred in “every election year."
factcheck.org, False

2 Mar 2020 – 8 Mar 2020

Dr. Abdu Sharkawy, an infectious diseases specialist, penned a viral Facebook post warning about the loss of reason in the face of panic over the new coronavirus in 2020.
snopes.com, Correct-attribution
Rashes are a symptom of the new coronavirus.
fullfact.org, No official advice list rashes as a symptom of the new coronavirus.
“The Government have announced measures that all workplaces with 10 employees or more are to have paid mandatory leave to avoid the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus starting from March 6, 2020."
factcheck.org, False
108 people died from Covid-19 in China on February 10th, one of the worst days so far.
fullfact.org, It is true that 108 people died in China from Covid-19 on 10 February, however, this death toll has since been surpassed.
Coronavirus pneumonia is a dry cough with no runny nose.
fullfact.org, Some Covid-19 patients do get pneumonia, and one of the symptoms is a dry cough. A runny nose doesn’t rule out Covid-19.
Children can’t get the new coronavirus.
fullfact.org, Children can get Covid-19 but there have been relatively few cases in children and in general, their symptoms tend to be milder.
If someone with the new coronavirus sneezes, it travels about 10 feet before it drops to the ground and is no longer airborne
fullfact.org, How far the droplets spread from a sneeze depends on environmental factors, but it is likely to be several metres.
"I think the 3.4% is really a false number," referring to the World Health Organization saying 3.4% of reported COVID-19 patients worldwide have died.
factcheck.org, We Explain the Number
A homemade hand sanitizer made with Tito's Vodka can be used to fight the new coronavirus.
snopes.com, False
Speaking of travel restrictions in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus: "But we closed those borders very early, against the advice of a lot of professionals ... I would say everybody said, it's too early, it's too soon, and good people, brilliant people, in many ways, doctors and lawyers and, frankly, a lot of people that work on this stuff almost exclusively. And they said, don't do it."
factcheck.org, Distorts the Facts
To minimise the risk of catching the new coronavirus, you should use public transport only when necessary, avoid kissing and shaking hands, and make visitors wash their hands as soon as they enter your house.
fullfact.org, Official Public Health England advice does not recommend any of these things.
The NHS recommends washing your underwear and towels at 60C or 40C with a bleach-based laundry product to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus.
fullfact.org, This is not NHS advice on limiting the spread of the new coronavirus. It comes from advice on stopping the spread of germs generally.
The government of Shanghai, China has announced its official recommendation that COVID-19 should be treated with high amounts of intravenous vitamin C
healthfeedback.org, Misleading
Sales of Corona beer have dropped in the U.S. because of the new coronavirus.
factcheck.org, False
Hand "sanitizer will do nothing for the coronavirus."
factcheck.org, False
Every election year has a disease; coronavirus has a contagion factor of 2
healthfeedback.org, Inaccurate

24 Feb 2020 – 1 Mar 2020

A letter providing tips on how to protect against the new coronavirus was authored by pathologist James Robb.
snopes.com, Correct-attribution
A bovine coronavirus vaccine, for cattle, is proof that the novel coronavirus isn't "new" and is evidence of "how much the media controls people."
factcheck.org, False
“I find it incomprehensible that the president would do something as inane as calling [the novel coronavirus] a hoax, which he did [Friday] night in South Carolina.”
factcheck.org, Lacks Context
There is no ‘coronavirus’
healthfeedback.org, Inaccurate
The NHS has warned people should not shake hands to prevent the spread of the Wuhan coronavirus
fullfact.org, This is incorrect. Although some doctors have suggested this may be a good idea, no advice around shaking hands has been issued by the government
Pope Francis has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
factcheck.org, False
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence introduced a program to cure new coronavirus carriers with the discredited practice of conversion therapy.
snopes.com, Labeled-satire
“President Obama set up anti-pandemic programs in 47 vulnerable countries, as a way to protect against something just like Coronavirus breaking out across the world. Experts begged Trump to keep them open. He closed 37 of them."
factcheck.org, False
The number of COVID-19 cases in the United States "are going very substantially down, not up.”
factcheck.org, Spins the Facts
A video demonstrates there have been exponentially more cases of new coronavirus than other diseases such as SARS, MERS, Ebola, and swine flu.
snopes.com, Mixture
US patent 10130701 is for coronavirus.
fullfact.org, This number is not a patent for the new Wuhan virus, Covid-19. It’s a patent for a weakened version of a virus in the same family as Covid-19, a family which includes the common cold and SARS.

17 Feb 2020 – 23 Feb 2020

Satellite data show a large release of sulfur dioxide gas from the outskirts of Wuhan, China, and could be viewed as evidence of the mass cremation of new coronavirus victims.
snopes.com, False
The coronavirus outbreak is not actually caused by a virus, but by 5G technology
healthfeedback.org, Incorrect
Two authors predicted the coronavirus decades before the outbreak.
fullfact.org, A 1980s sci-fi novel describes a disease called “Wuhan-400” that bears little similarity to the new Wuhan coronavirus. A book of “prophecies about the end of the world” written in 2008 predicted that a pneumonia-like illness would spread across the world in the year 2020.
Scientists knew about the new coronavirus long ago and called it “Disease X”.
fullfact.org, They didn’t. This is a misunderstanding about the phrase “Disease X”, which the WHO used to denote an unknown serious new disease that might cause a pandemic.
Dettol antiseptic spray says it kills coronavirus.
fullfact.org, That is correct but that doesn’t refer to the new coronavirus (Covid-19) identified in Wuhan. Coronavirus is a large category of viruses that includes the common cold. Dettol has said its products haven’t been tested against the new virus yet.
Scientists believe that coronavirus may have come from bats in a Chinese research facility.
fullfact.org, Two Chinese scientists have published an article suggesting that the 2019 coronavirus outbreak could have originated from bats in a laboratory in Wuhan. However, apart from maps showing the proximity of laboratories, they offer no evidence to prove this.

27 Jan 2020 – 2 Feb 2020

The Chinese government is building a hospital in 10 days to deal with the new coronavirus.
snopes.com, True
"Wuhan’s corona virus can be cured by one bowl of freshly boiled garlic water."
factcheck.org, False
Coronavirus contains 'HIV insertions'
healthfeedback.org, Inaccurate
Health experts predicted the new coronavirus could kill 65 million people.
snopes.com, False
Dettol antiseptic spray says it kills human coronavirus.
fullfact.org, That is correct but that doesn’t mean that Dettol spray can kill the new coronavirus identified in Wuhan. Coronavirus is a category of viruses that includes the common cold, and it is likely this the label is referring to.
Jacob Rothschild owns a patent to coronavirus.
fullfact.org, Incorrect. There is no patent to the new coronavirus discovered recently in Wuhan.
The lab from which the coronavirus originated has a similar symbol as the lab responsible for a mass outbreak in the Resident Evil games.
fullfact.org, The source of the new coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan has not yet been identified. The lab is based in Shanghai, not Wuhan and there is no reason to think it has anything to do with the new coronavirus.
Videos show people collapsing on the street due to coronavirus.
snopes.com, Unproven
"[T]he label of the popular Lysol already show that the product Kill the Coronavirus, so that means that this Virus is nothing new.”
factcheck.org, False
The Wuhan coronavirus is a more virulent version of the normal cold.
fullfact.org, The new coronavirus observed in Wuhan is a virus in the same family of viruses as the common cold, but is a different illness.
Social media posts imply that Harvard professor Charles Lieber was arrested in connection with the new coronavirus.
factcheck.org, False
Are there ways to lower your risk of getting coronavirus?
metafact.io, Affirmative
Is the novel Wuhan coronavirus more dangerous than SARS?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Will a vaccine be discovered for the novel coronavirus?
metafact.io, Affirmative
Does coronavirus survive on hard surfaces?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
Are alcohol sanitizers effective against viruses like SARS/coronavirus?
metafact.io, Not Enough Experts
A vaccine for the coronavirus was being trialled in January 2020 days before the outbreak.
fullfact.org, Incorrect. The trial referenced was for a different type of coronavirus—Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS).
The coronavirus patent was applied for in 2015.
fullfact.org, Incorrect. A company applied for a patent on a weakened version of a virus in the same family as the new Wuhan virus.
A patent for coronavirus was granted in 2018 to the Pirbright Institute UK, founded by Bill and Melinda Gates.
fullfact.org, A patent for a different virus in the same family as the Wuhan virus was applied for by the Pirbright Institute, which receives part of its funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
"MMS (chlorine dioxide), can be very effective in both preventing and eradicating the coronavirus."
factcheck.org, False
Part of the MISDEED project at FIIT STU. Powered by the MonAnt platform. Put together by Matúš Tomlein.